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| - My boyfriend invited me to Notkins for Valentine's Day, and we had SUCH a good time. The place was hip, sophisticated, and the dim lighting was intimate and sexy.
The menu was straightforward, something I always appreciate. We opted for half a dozen oysters for starters, and the waitress briefly explained how they're all from Canadian sources and complement each other in terms of flavor. Insanely fresh and delicious.
Their drink list was short and sweet. Mine came with smoked sage on top, something I hadn't seen in a while, and certainly not on a drink!
I was famished, and ordered the Quebec pork chop. It came on a wooden board, on top of braised winter vegetables - gigantic, comforting and beautiful.
My boyfriend ordered the lobster mac&cheese and although it looked small in comparison to my giant slab of pork, it turned out to be very satisfying and filling.
Desserts were less impressive than the other courses, and significantly smaller in portion. That being said, the sweet potato cheesecake was refreshing and mild. The amble maple pot-de-crème was a little jar of happiness.
I admire how well Notkins integrates Canadian products and flavors into its dishes. Blueberries, wild mushrooms, lardon, cheddar... These are the down to earth ingredients shining on Notkin's plates. There is obviously a strong vision guiding the restaurant, and it's for the best.
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